In the Striding Place by Gertrude Atherton was an interesting, yet I found it hard to follow and understand. Though one thing that is clear is the Cultural Context within the story and that was the concept that we do not know what is in store for us in the afterlife. Since this story was written in the early 1900s we know that this concept will always be a fear and a mystery for all of us. Along with what happens in the afterlife it also talks about another common question that is associated with the afterlife. This is if our soul will live on; if it lives as a sperate part from the body or if it remains with the body.

In the story Weigall's childhood friend goes missing for two days. While he was looking for his friend he has flashbacks of when they talked about what happens after death. His friend Gifford said that he "cherrished the theroy... that the soul sometimes lingers in the body after death" (159). He belives in this theroy that we are able to see our friends and family one last time before we move on. Though, we will never know, there is no proof or fact that this is what happens. He aslo talks about how he believes that the body and soul will remain together. "The body and soul are twins, life commrades-- some-friends, sometimes enemies, but always loyal in the last instance" (159).

When looking at this concept I agree with Atherton in putting this concept into her story. This adds an overall edge that makes us think what will happen. Though, we will never know, we can only guess and that is what I think makes this story interesting. She takes a concept that will always be a question for almost every human being, we may have an idea, but we will never really know what will happen, until it does and by that time we cannot tell anyone, so know one will ever know.